Coffee Culture
Latest articles, industry insights and brewing guides
The Three Waves of Coffee in Specialty History
From instant coffee mass adoption to third-wave single-origin focus, learn the three historic shifts that shaped modern coffee culture.
How Coffee Spread Across the World: A Specialty History
From Ethiopia to Yemen, then India and Europe—discover the key moments and routes that took coffee global, leading to today’s specialty scene.
Vietnam’s Coffee Legacy and French Colonial Influence
Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee exporter, led by Robusta. Discover how French colonization shaped its coffee culture and global trade.
How Ethiopians Still Brew Traditional Coffee at Home
Ethiopians roast, grind, and brew coffee the old-fashioned way—over hours, with spices, and often from fallen fruit. Here’s how it works.
How New York’s First Coffeehouse Became the British HQ
In 1696, John Hutchins opened King’s Arms, NYC’s first coffeehouse—modeled after London’s, it quickly became the unofficial center for British merchants and officials.
How Coffeehouses Began in 16th-Century Constantinople
Learn how the first coffeehouses emerged in 1554 Constantinople, spreading social equality and shaping global café culture.
The Origins of the Word 'Coffee'
Discover the true origins of the word 'coffee'—from Arabic Qahwah to European languages—and how it entered English usage.
Irish Coffee: The Story Behind the Tears
Learn how a Dublin bartender invented Irish Coffee to mourn lost love, and how it became a San Francisco staple with a tearful ritual.
The History of Coffee Culture in China
Learn how coffee took root in China, from early 20th-century Yunnan plantings to today’s specialty boom.
The Third Wave of Specialty Coffee: New Coffee Culture
Explore how the third wave of coffee transformed global consumption, tech-driven brewing, and café culture since the 1990s.
How Shanghai Helped Shape China’s Coffee Culture
From bitter cough syrup to literary cafes, discover how Shanghai embraced and transformed coffee culture from the early 20th century.
How Greek Coffee Divination Works: Fortune from Coffee Grounds
Learn how to read your future in Greek coffee grounds, including steps, symbols, and what patterns like hearts or animals really mean.
Amsterdam’s Coffee Culture: A Dutch Specialty Tradition
Dive into Amsterdam’s deep-rooted coffee customs, from 17th-century coffeehouses to the country’s high annual per-capita consumption.
How Foreign Cafés Shape Daily Life and Coffee Culture
Foreign cafés often open by 7am, serve meals, and anchor social life. Learn how their hours, menus, and routines differ from those in China.
How to Read Coffee Grounds: The Specialty Coffee Divination Method
Learn the 5-step coffee divination process used in specialty cafes to interpret brew results from grounds and crema patterns.
The Three Waves of Specialty Coffee History
Explore how coffee evolved through three distinct eras—from instant convenience to artisanal origin-driven brews.
What Is Third Wave Coffee? The Movement Behind Quality Coffee
Third Wave Coffee emphasizes origin, processing, and brewing methods over mass consumption. Discover how it redefined specialty coffee quality.
Vienna’s Coffee Culture: Origins, Cafés & Classic Drinks
Discover Vienna’s 300-year-old coffee tradition, from the first Polish-run café to the Melange and why you always get a glass of water with your brew.
Who Invented the Siphon Coffee Maker?
The siphon coffee maker was invented in 1840 by British scientist Loeffe based on a lab test tube. Frenchwoman Madame Vassieux refined it in 1842.
Sudanese Coffee Culture: A Deep-Rooted Passion
Discover how Sudanese people integrate coffee into daily life, from traditional brewing with ginger to slow, mindful sipping rituals.